A few days ago it felt like someone turned our water off mid shower. Now, given that I try to make a habit of paying bills, I knew that it couldn't be due to delinquency. Oddly, the cold water isn't affected at all, but the hot water runs at about half of its old pressure Upon further Googling, it seems that when such issues arise it is often due to a blockage in the hot water heater, often due to sediment.

The question is "What do I do about it?"

My knowledge of plumbing is low, although I can at least fix a running toilet.

I've read that draining the water heater is recommended, but the success rate seems fairly low. One guy recommended putting a dime over the only running spout to create back pressure to blow out the sediment. I'd rather not turn a shower head into a mortar shell, so I'm laying myself prostrate in front of your collective home repair acumen.

Call a plumber is my first thought, but other cheaper and quicker potential fixes that don't damage the integrity of the tank or pipes would be greatly appreciated.

One guy recommended putting a dime over the only running spout to create back pressure to blow out the sediment.

HA! What is this supposed to accomplish??? Blocking a running tap would be exactly the same as just turning it off.

OK .. have you checked to make certain that the hot water pressure is low throughout the entire house?

Have you checked the cold line into the heater to make sure it has adequate pressure?

Those are the two easiest things to check first.. next it gets a bit more complicated. You'll want to flush it and check for sediment or bits of plastic. After that, check the dip tube and make sure it is in good shape. The dip tube is the tube INSIDE the tank that carries the water from the cold inlet to the bottom of the tank.

I would guess its more likely the shower valve or cartridge.....Do you have 1, 2 or 3 handles on your shower? I have dealt with many problems such as this...if your kitchen faucet still has decent hot pressure, it is most likely( 99.9%) a simple valve or cartidge issue.

are you suggesting he backflush the water heater? interesting idea. i guess if a chunk of sediment is blocking a line, blast it backward out the tank drain.

I think he's suggesting hooking the the hot water outlet the the cold water lines, then if he has decent pressure, the blockage is in his hot water lines AFTER the water heater. Saves a guy from replacing a perfectly good water heater. I could be wrong though.